Thumbs up for market days

Market traders will be able to pitch for free on an annual Erewash Market Day in Ilkeston and Long Eaton after councillors gave the scheme the thumbs-up.

Opposition Labour councillors suggested during the full council meeting on Thursday that they hope the day will encourage new entrepreneurs to ‘gain a low cost foothold in the retail trade’ by taking advantage of the offer.

Introducing the motion, Cllr John Frudd, who runs a barbers shop in Ilkeston town centre, said: “Ilkeston is in danger of becoming derelict –action must be taken as a matter of some urgency.

Cllr Margaret Griffiths said of her party’s plan: “It’s got a long way to go but it’s a good beginning. Put Ilkeston o the map and see what it is that attracts people to the market.”

In a rare show of cross party unity, Tory councillors unanimously backed the plan.